If you are new to karaoke, here are some basic karaoke etiquette and performance tips:
ETIQUETTE:
You will notice that there are different performance levels. The golden rule is that you clap for everyone regardless of their singing ability . Never make fun of anyone.
Do not join someone who is singing unless they have asked for your help.
Do not sign up under different names to get more turns on the microphone. Running a fair rotation keeps karaoke patrons happy and most KJs will not tolerate someone who uses deceptive means for more turns.
If you sing in a duet or with a group, that may count as your turn even if you did not sign up for the song. At some shows it will only be counted as your turn if you signed up for the song. But realize others are patiently
waiting and you will not be well received by the audience if you have sung 3 times and they are still waiting for their turn.
Do not bring your drink to the staging area. Also singing while drunk does not usually help you sing better, although it may be amusing for others to watch.
But if being the amusing drunk isn't the image you are going for, then drink with restraint (and call a cab if you are drunk).
Don’t talk or laugh loudly next to a singer. They can’t hear the music and it is disrespectful and distracting.
Support the venue. They have karaoke there to make money, and they have to pay the KJ. When you spend money at a karaoke venue for drinks and food, you are helping to pay for the karaoke and
thereby keep it at that location.
PERFORMANCE TIPS:
For the best sound, hold the microphone 3 inches away from your mouth. It should be held at an angle that is perpendicular with the floor (i.e. straight out from your mouth). You will get feedback if you “cup” the mic by holding your hands around the tip.
For very loud and powerful songs, or loud parts of songs, pull the mic back to about 5 inches so as not to overwhelm the audience or the equipment. Some karaoke units will actually shut down if you scream loudly into the microphone. Also
if you scream into the microphone it is very annoying to those that are listening and trying to enjoy the music.
Do not swing the microphone by the cord. It ruins the equipment and you could injure someone. Besides, it is distracting and does not positively add to your singing performance.
If you have never sung in front of an audience before, you may be inclined to sing very softly or tentatively. The KJ will try and adjust the sound to make up for this. But you will sound much better if you project the song confidently (even if you are scared to death and sing a bit off key).
Stay focused on the fact that the reason you are singing is to perform something the audience will enjoy and to have fun. You don’t have to have the best voice to put on a good performance. Some of the least talented singers put on a great performance by having fun and getting the audience attention.
I have seen standing ovations for people who can’t sing well at all because they “get into it”. I have also noticed that people have very different interpretations of what sounds good so if you have even an ounce of singing ability, it is likely that someone in the audience will enjoy hearing you.
There are often times different versions of the same song in the book. That is because there are different manufacturers of the Karaoke CDs. I prefer SoundChoice which will often being labeled with SC before the number or Sweet Georgia Brown which starts with SGB. If you are unsure, ask the KJ which
version they think is best.
If you try a song that you can sing to when it is on the radio, but it is a struggle (too high or too low) when you sing it at karaoke, ask to have the key changed up or down. Usually 1 or 2 keys (up or down) will be sufficient. If you change the key more than that, the music will sound
strange and distorted.
Most karaoke shows will allow you to bring in and sing to your own karaoke CDs. Some KJs don't like it because they have to keep and eye out for them. But I prefer it so that there are no surprises with the words or music.
You may also notice that some of the words are different (or just plain wrong) than the popular version. I think this may be because some CDs are produced overseas. Ignore the wrong words and sing the correct ones.
Do not bring in bootleg copies of karaoke CDs or downloaded music and ask the KJ to play it when you sing. It is against the law and can get them and you into big trouble.
Feedback can occur if you and the microphone are positioned immediately in front of the speakers. If there is feedback (loud whining sound from the speakers), quickly move to the left or the right to change your position-and keep singing.
start off with a song that you know you can sing without a word check...one that you do in the shower! One that you sing to on the radio, or your favorite cassette or CD. One that you LOVE.
The worst thing about karaoke is the words are a trap... they can lull you into reading and concentrating, when you should be using them mostly as a guide. Look only Occasionally!!! DO NOT stare at the screen and repeat the words back like a robot!
You will sound best if you sing a song that is in the right range for your voice. Upbeat songs usually go over better for the less experienced singer. A good singer will not sound good if they choose the wrong song. An average singer can sound very good by choosing the right song. If you don’t know what to sing, explain to the KJ that you are new to karaoke
and you would like some suggestions. There are certain songs that are always crowd pleasers and that will take the pressure off. Here are a few songs that are easy to sing and usually get a good response:
-New York, New York
-I Love Rock N Roll
-Hit Me with Your Best Shot
-Lean on Me
-Love Shack
-Summer Nights
-Since you've read this far, you are probably already hooked on karaoke so why not go and buy a unit you can practice with. You can get a cheap (very low quality) unit for about $75-$100. But I would recommend spending a minimum of $250-$300 to get a minimally acceptable sound from a portable practice unit. The cheap
systems you get from Target or Walmart will not last long and you will not be happy with the way you sound (although it can still help you get down the timing and learn the words and key of a personal CD you want to take to karaoke). Also I have found that karaoke adds unbelievable fun to any party and the cheap units
start to overheat in about an hour leaving guests frustrated and disappointed. Look for one with a key changer and tape recorder. Make sure it is a CDG player and not a karaoke tape player because tapes are no longer readily available. Also I suggest avoiding a player that uses VCD instead of CDG. VCD plays video
in the background of the words which looks really cool, but I learned the hard way that the cheap units do not handle this well. Also VCD is not usually used at karaoke clubs and you may not be able to use it when you go out singing. Often, the $250-$300 units will come with a grouping of CDs to get you started.
-Not sure where to buy karaoke CDs? Look for a local store in the yellow pages or go to one of the numerous online stores. I recommend www.karaoke.com or doowop.com. There are super deals on EBAY too. Type in Karaoke CDG and browse through all of the listings. Or you can type in the name of a song you are interested in
with the word karaoke and perhaps find an auction. The best deals I have seen are on Ebay.
